Will Washington become a right-to-work state to win Boeing's 777X?

But one state senator has proposed legislation that would weaken labor unions here should the state workers' compensation insurance rates continue to increase. The move would help position Washington to win work on Boeing's updated 777, said Sen. Michael Baumgartner, in a statement Tuesday.

"It's very clear that Boeing is choosing to expand into states that have more competitive labor environments, and that right-to-work states like South Carolina have a significant potential advantage," said Baumgartner, R-Spokane.

However, with the South Carolina move in mind, state lawmakers aren't taking for granted that Boeing will remain in Washington for the newest 777. Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled his own strategy for the 777X. The Democrat's plan didn't include making Washington the 25th right-to-work state in the country.

"Washington is a hub of aerospace, and it's clear that too many of our elected leaders aren't taking real steps to keep it that way," Baumgartner said in a statement Tuesday.

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